Ice Dispenser Sensor Control for Precise Ice Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice suppliers lack the ability to accurately detect and control the quantity and velocity of ice dispensed, leading to inconsistencies and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An ice supplier system that includes a dispenser with an ice dispensing chute, an ice storage bin, a transfer mechanism, a sensor to detect ice pieces, and a controller to adjust the transfer mechanism based on sensed ice volume and user input, ensuring precise control over ice dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no sensor or control mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of ice quantity and velocity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical sensing. Infrared sensors detect ice pieces passing through the dispensing chute by sensing interruptions in infrared light transmission, converting mechanical detection into optical measurement for higher precision with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives signals from the sensor detecting ice piece passage and automatically adjusts the dispensing mechanism to control ice quantity and velocity. This closed-loop feedback system maintains measurement precision while managing device complexity through automated control
2Productivity
If manual ice dispensing is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and user satisfaction are poor due to inability to control ice quantity and velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispensing system automatically controls the quantity and velocity of ice based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting ice passage and adjusting dispensing parameters autonomously, improving productivity while keeping the control interface simple for users
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time sensor data about ice piece passage. The controller modifies dispensing velocity and quantity dynamically to match user requirements, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction
3Reliability
If ice dispensing is not controlled, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of ice supply matching user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors ice piece passage and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts dispensing to ensure accurate ice supply matching user needs. This automated feedback loop maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation through simple user interaction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for accurate control of ice dispensing, ensuring that the volume and velocity of ice match user-set parameters, enhancing user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a sender positioned at a side of the opening and configured to send a signal, and a receiver positioned at a side of the opening opposite the sender and configured to receive the signal sent from the sender enabling ice pieces passing along the ice flow path to be sensed. The signal may be an Infrared light signal that is at least partially occluded by ice pieces passing along the ice flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice supplier includes a case configured to store ice from an ice maker. The case includes an outlet and a transfer unit configured to transfer ice pieces in the case to the outlet. A sensor is configured to sense ice pieces passing through the outlet and a controller is configured to control the transfer unit according to input from the sensor.